“Focus on the small things because they’re not really small; they’re actually very huge for daily commuters.”
This, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, is a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Department of Transportation.
“In the DOTr, he [President Marcos ] instructed us to refocus on the daily struggles our people face when it comes to public transportation,”Dizon said.
The President’s instruction highlights an understanding that even seemingly minor inconveniences accumulate into significant hardships for the riding public, underscoring the administration’s commitment to making everyday commutes more bearable and efficient.
Given this, Dizon is prioritizing tangible improvements for daily commuters through several key initiatives for the MRT-3. These include increasing the number of train cars from three to four, aiming to significantly reduce wait times, and the strategic removal of X-ray machines at all stations.
Dizon said that commuters are already experiencing shorter lines at the MRT-3, particularly during rush hour, following the removal of X-ray machines from baggage inspection areas.
He noted a dramatic improvement from 2019, when waiting for a train could take one to two hours. Now, even during peak times, the wait for the MRT-3 has been slashed to a mere five to ten minutes.
Despite the removal of the X-ray machines, Dizon assured the public that security at train stations remains stringent. This is maintained through the visible presence of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), deployment of K9 units, and enhanced security camera surveillance, ensuring both efficiency and safety for all passengers.
To further enhance commuter experience, the DOTr has extended the evening operating hours of the MRT-3 by an hour.
This means that the last train departing from North Avenue now leaves at 10:30 PM, while the last train from Taft Avenue departs at 11:09 PM. This extension aims to provide more flexibility and convenience for passengers, especially those who work late.
Beyond the MRT-3, the DOTr’s focus on “small things” extends to other crucial transport hub such as the EDSA Busway.
EDSA Busway Modernization
The DOTr has completed the installation of station timers on the EDSA Busway, and deployed the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) to ensure smoother operations and enhanced safety for commuters.
Additionally, the rehabilitation of elevators at the stations has been completed, making the EDSA Busway more PWD-friendly
Last March, the DOTr and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) opened the SM North EDSA Busway concourse. This state-of-the-art facility, serving as a key interchange in Quezon City, provides commuters with seamless access to the EDSA Busway, connecting them to various transportation options and nearby commercial establishments.
The new facility features well-lit and covered walkways, with ramps and elevators that ensure accessibility for all commuters, particularly senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The EDSA Busway Project is a flagship initiative of the DOTr that is supported by the DPWH and MMDA. It aims to enhance mass transit efficiency, safety, and accessibility along EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
To fast-track the development of well-structured and efficiently managed concourses, the DOTr partnered with private stakeholders like SMPHI.
Streamlining NAIA Immigration
To improve the passenger experience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), electronic gates (e-gates) will soon be deployed to speed up and streamline immigration processing.
Dizon said the installation of e-gates is part of the government’s effort to ensure smooth travel experience, stressing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to prioritize the convenience and safety of passengers.
He said that the e-gates are expected to be ready before Christmas Season in time for the holidays, adding that both arrival and departure areas will be installed with e-gates.
“Hopefully by Christmas, by then we will have replaced our e-gates. The goal is before Christmas we have replaced the e-gates here at NAIA,” Dizon said.
“The good news for our countrymen is that these e-gates have been implemented for both arrival and departure. Even if you leave the Philippines, you will have an e-gate. There is no need to go manually or face-to-face,” he added.
In addition, the DOTr signed an agreement with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to enhance passenger experience at NAIA.
Under the deal, the DOTr will authorize the allocation and disbursement of the Immigration Service Charge (ISC) for the BI when additional immigration officers are designated to perform overtime duties not covered under the 2025 General Appropriations budget.
For its part, the BI will render 24/7 immigration services to support the MIAA in complying with its mandate to provide international standard airport accommodation and service whenever necessary. It will also provide the MIAA a certified number and list of BI officers and personnel at the NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 monthly.
On the other hand, MIAA will undertake the allocated portion of the airport regulator’s authorized collections to fund the ISC, either in the form of overtime or honoraria under the prescribed rates and guidelines in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and other pertinent laws, and regulations.
